Description

PainStation is a multiplayer-only Pong variant housed in a custom cabinet, and is a completely reprogrammed version of the original PainStation that was released in 2001. The cabinet is outfitted with two feedback sensors called Pain Execution Units, or PEUs, which the players must have their left hands on at all times. Every time a player scores, their opponent's PEU will inflict pain in the form of a shock, burn, or whip to the back of the hand. The first player to remove their hand from the PEU loses, regardless of their score.

Four PainStation machines currently exist. The first machine is referred to as PainStation 2.0, while the others comprise the PainStation 2.5 series. Two of the 2.5 cabinets include functionality to increase or decrease the level of pain inflicted by the PEUs.

This game was designed to be exhibited at museums and festivals, and has been playable in several different countries throughout the years. Refer to the trivia section for a list of locations and date ranges.

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Trivia

Exhibition Locations and Dates

This version of PainStation was first revealed to the public on June 25, 2003, on Germany's late-night Harald-Schmidt-Show. However, the first playable public release came a month later. A list of public appearances for the game is as follows, though note that not all machines were available at all locations.

Machine Names

The three cabinets in the 2.5 series have each been given individual names. Willi and Harri are identical machines colored grey and black, and are the two that have adjustable pain levels. Rudi is an orange machine without the added functionality.